Anyone else anti-tatoo?

[Robinrs]

I always picture what they're gonna look like when the skin starts to sag!!

I've done a LOT of stupid things in my youth and don't want them showing up when I'm in my 80s.

Some ARE cute for now but man, will they look stupid later!!!

 

[missypie]

it could cost them a job opportunity

That's what I always tell people. It is perfectly legal to discriminate against someone in hiring or housing based on tatoos...having tatoos is not a protected class.

 

[Muggle-born]

I have one and I regret it. I got it when I was 18 and I'm now 21. Luckily, it's only on my ankle so I don't have to look at it often nor do I have to worry about it being inappropriate.

I understand both sides, but as long as it's not my body that person is wanting to tattoo, then I say do whatever you want.

 

[TinklednPants]

Hate tattoos. Can handle something small and delicate but am absolutely baffled when I see entire arms and backs covered.

 

[ChristaDeVil]

I love tattoos. I don't have one because they have yet to administer anesthesia in the tattoo parlor, but I'd love one. However, I do have to say that I hate that everyone I see has one these days. I'm not talking about those of you on here that have tattoos....I'm talking about the 18 year old twit at the mall with her rose on her ankle that got it because it was "the thing to do". Or, the person that copies a famous person's tattoo. I love original, meaningful tattoos. I even know the tattoos I would get...if they would knock me out first! Don't get me started about my sister-in-law's dolphin on her ankle, by the way.

 

[minkydog]

I dont like them and dont have any.....

However, it's not my (or my kids) body so it's not my place to tell anyone else that they shouldn't have them.

This sums it up for me. I dislike tattoos, but far be it from me to keep someone else from so expressing themself. I think one or two tattoos are less problematic, particularly if they can be covered by dress clothes. But when I see men and women with whole sleeves or even shirt tattoos I just think "ick." And honestly? I do make judgements about them. (they probably make judgements about me too, who knows?) If that makes me a shallow person, oh well. If one of my kids came home with a body modification I wouldn't make any negative comments. In fact, DS23 has snake bite piercings on his lower lip. I hate them, but I would never in a million years tell him that. It would only hurt his feelings. They're his lips, he can do with them anything he wants.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I'm not a fan, wouldn't ever get one, but to each his/her own. I always do wonder about the people who are covered, face to toes as to why. It calls so much attention. I guess I don't get it because I am happy to just blend in and don't want to stand out but I guess if you don't mind that, or like it that may be why. Not sure.

Anyway, my DH has one. He got it after we were toghter and while I didn't love the idea it is of great significance, he and all his Army buddies got them after they got back from the Gulf War. His tells a whole story. It is only a couple inches if that, so small, and is totally covered by a tshirt. It is right where your combat patch would go as many returning soldiers do. His boss hates, I mean, HATES tattoos and when interviewing will make comments about if the person had them. I always say I wonder what he would say about my DH, one of the most valued employees, if he only knew. The good news is he never has to because of it being hidden. Most people are shocked if the topic comes up and his is mentioned because they have never seen it. He doesn't regret it, doesn't want more but doesn't regret it. Good thing the upper arm doesn't sag as much as other body parts. I know people have gone for a belly button area ones and they do not look the same after a couple kids.

 

[MIGrandma]

I wouldn't do it myself, but I definitely don't "look down on" anyone who does. It's their body, their life, none of my business. And it's not my place to judge.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

I think it's because my dad always drilled into my head..."would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley? NO!" He told me over and over "first impressions will make or break life's opportunities...don't do something to compromise that."

I don't need a job that pays enough for me to buy a Bentley in the first place

I desperately want one. But I'm terrified of needles. And the one I want would be *gasp* visible. Because personally, I don't see the point of having it if nobody is going to see it.

When I'm 80, I would think that what my tattoo looks like would be the least of my worries!

When I was younger, I got made fun of A LOT because of my appearance... and looking back at pictures of me when I was a kid, I don't understand why. I looked just like your average kid... except that my parents didn't buy my clothes from the obnoxiously expensive stores in the mall. It was horrendous and to this day I will *never* judge someone on the way they look. It's what's in your heart that matters and I really wish more people would recognize that.

 

[Scurvy]

I am not anti-tattoo. Seriously, if you like it, go ahead and do it. It's your body. Go ahead and do what you like to it.

That being said, I personally do not like the way they look and would never have one myself. I also wonder "what will it look like at 70?"

That's pretty much how I feel. I find most of them kind of tacky, to be honest. They usually make people look less attractive to me, unless they are fairly small and discrete and are very meaningful to the person. The small ribbons some people get because they beat cancer aren't bad, for example. I'm not a fan of lots of piercings, either, or those horrible stretched-out earlobes. Or most plastic surgery. I guess I'm really just not a fan of someone permanently altering their body.

I'm not a fan of judging people by their appearance, but I don't think it's unreasonable to form an impression of someone based on something they have intentionally done to themselves. It's just part of human nature, and I hope most people are aware of that and accept it before they get tattoos.

 

[Magpie]

I always picture what they're gonna look like when the skin starts to sag!!

I've done a LOT of stupid things in my youth and don't want them showing up when I'm in my 80s.

Some ARE cute for now but man, will they look stupid later!!!

Actually I think this old guy is adorable. Look how pleased he is with himself!

I want to have that much confidence when I'm his age.

Besides... would we really be happier if he was in a golf shirt, Bermuda shorts, and argyle socks pulled up to his knees? He'd still be a wrinkly old guy, just not as interesting.

What people do with their bodies is up to them, and more power to them. I hope my daughter gets the scars on her upper lip fixed (she has until she's 18 to do it), but I won't think less of her if she sticks to her current stance of "I love myself just the way I am. My birthmark is part of me!" It's not my choice to make - it's hers.

Similarly, I cringe sometimes when I see people who are either excessively fat or excessively thin. I tend to think, "Why are you doing that to yourself!?"

But then I realize it's none of my business. I will judge you badly if you have a Swastika on your arm, but otherwise I will try to reserve judgment until I actually meet you.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

For me? Yes. For others? I think that they make others less attractive and it could cost them a job opportunity, but it is none of my business what they do with their bodies. I certainly don't think they are any less (anything) than me for choosing to get tattoos or piercings. If anything, maybe I am less open minded than them for refusing.

I only made it to the second response. I completely agree. While it's not for me, it's their body and their choosing.

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

Actually I think this old guy is adorable. Look how pleased he is with himself!

I want to have that much confidence when I'm his age.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I have no problems when tattoos - I would NEVER choose to get one, though. I always think, what is so important to me now, that I would want it still branded on my body when I turn 100?

The one instance where tattoos fascinate me, though, is in the maritime (both civilian and Navy/Coast Guard) professions. A lot of professions have "rules" (ok, they're more.... "guidelines" ) as to when and why you can get a tattoo, and it's often fascinating to hear why and when each tattoo was done. When I worked for the Port of Seattle, one of my boss's favorite pastimes was asking guys about their tattoos. It always was accompanied by a story about sailing through the Indian Ocean on a research vessel, or crab-fishing in Alaska, or time spent working for Search and Rescue.

 

[happybratpack]

I don't have any and never will. Just a personal choice for me for several reasons, I don't like the way they look and I'm also terrified of needles. Several friends and family members have them though.

I'm always reminded of my bf from high school, after we graduated she had a dolphin tattoo on the top of her breast, like he was leaping through the air horizontally. Fast forward to 20 years & 3 kids later and that dolphin looks like he's standing straight up on his tail.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that the old fellow pictured in this thread is cute in his way too and it has nothing to do with the tatoos. He just looks so happy and that's what it's all about.

I have nothing against tatoos. They are not for me but I don't mind seeing them on others and some I admire.

 

[Darsa]

I want a small lily of the valley tattoo, in memory of my mom, and will have one when I'm able to afford it. Covered in tattoos? Nope, never could see the draw of that (eww, bad pun). Recently I was reading an article from a crime site I visit, and a guy got tattoos on his face that made him look like he got so drunk he passed out, and one of his buddies took a Sharpie to him. He had a word printed on his upper lip in the shape of a mustache, and some symbols drawn on his chin like a goatee. WOW did that look STUPID.

Aha! Here's the picture I was talking about. Bet this guy will look super-cool when (if) he ever grows up...

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

well, good! please do not look!! because I am getting my whole back done! to join the 6 others I have!
oh, and you MIGHT want to spell TATTOO, the right way! see I hate when people spell it wrong!

 

[Anjelica]

Not I - I have two with one being very prominent when I wear short sleeved shirts on my forearm. I have learned to not be judgemental of folks for tattoos because of my own personal experiences, etc. I, myself, was judged for years with my bright red streaks and tattoos as some hippie/rocker, etc. I, however, am a HUGE conservative and a living example of you can't judge a book by it's cover.

For me you have to get a tattoo done at a professional shop by someone who is talented. I do think alot of work out there is very poorly done these days and many folks just go to some no-named tattoo shop to get it done. I also believe the tattoo's you get should have some thought put behind them and not done on a spur of the moment.

Additionally, tattoo's are becoming more the norm these days so I don't see it as holding back a person's career as much as it used to. I work in the business/professional work in IT and have a very good position regardless of my tattoo, etc.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

I understand when people say they don't want tattoos. And I understand thw whole, "Hwo will they look when you're 80?"

But I honestly don't see how people get a negative impression of a person with them.